How to Prioritize Inclusion in Job Seeking
Neurodiverse individuals are more likely to report a poor employee experience than their neurotypical colleagues, often because their team lacks inclusive practices. When searching for a new job, it can be difficult to determine if the role and company is a good fit based on the job posting. Below are some tips to help you find clarity and the information you need in navigating your job search:
What should I ask and look for during an interview to make sure the company is inclusive and supportive of my needs?
Before going into the interview, look at their website. Is the team diverse? Do they share any information about their diversity initiatives or commitment to diversity? Do your research by looking up employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor.
Do they offer ongoing professional development and support?
Do they emphasize teamwork and collaboration?
What kind of support would you receive as a new employee?
Do they offer Employee Resource Groups?
You can tell a lot about a company through the interview process. How do they make you feel? Are they responsive to your questions and accommodation needs if requested?
Actions speak louder than words. Ask for examples of how the company shows up for and supports its employees with different needs.
How do I communicate that I need accommodations?
Disclosing your disabilities to others in the workplace is completely your choice. Remember that you never have to disclose private medical information.
Before asking, know what you want to ask for. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a fantastic resource that can help guide you.
Decide how and to what extent you would like to disclose. You could choose to do it formally or informally, providing as much or as little detail as you feel comfortable with.
Prepare a disclosure script and practice with someone you trust.
Provide examples of how others can be supportive.
Once I get a new role, how can I set myself up for success?
Get to know your team. Set up 1:1s with other team members to get to know them on a personal level. Attend team social hours or other events to connect outside of work tasks.
Establish weekly times to meet with your mentor/on-boarding buddy and manager to ask questions and make sure you are on the right track through the on-boarding process.
Set up your physical and digital spaces and routines.
Reflect on what worked and what didn’t in your previous role. What shifts do you need to make in order to feel successful?
Talk to other team members about how they set up their work environment and structure their day.
Carve out time for morning/evening routines and focus blocks to keep yourself organized and on track.
There are many ups and downs in your job seeking journey, but these tips can help you identify red and green flags to determine if a company and/or a position would be a good fit. If you find yourself struggling to get organized and feel overwhelmed with navigating your job search, you don’t have to do it alone. Our coaches have extensive experience helping people navigate the job seeking process. Schedule a Free Consultation here to see how we can help.
